We're never to old to learn new things, right? I think it's how we stay young!
So... I decided to take the leap into enrolling in a Spiritual Formation program this year. It's something I've been very interested in for over 10 years, but the time was never right. Till now. This afternoon I attended my first class (on Zoom). I've met a group of people from across Canada, all who have similar interests and are excited about the spiritual adventure we are embarking on. I'm doing this, despite thoughts of fear, doubt, and inadequacy. What if I mess up???
And then this quote dropped out of my book today. It gave me pause for thought.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, or fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
Nelson Mandela
1994 inaugural speech
I'd love to be liberated from my fear. Wouldn't you?
You may be wondering what spiritual formation even is. The definition that I think sums it up in a nutshell for me is "a process of being formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others". (Invitation to a Journey by Robert Mulholland Jr.) This year I'm going to be learning more about how that comes about and how to live it out practically in my everyday life. I'm excited!
